The best thing that we can do for victims is to
identify and take into custody those who commit
criminal acts and to investigate the case in a
professional manner so as to ensure the successful
prosecution of the person(s) charged. Because of
our concentration on these issues, it may sometimes
appear that we are not concerned with victims. This
is not the case! In fact, it is our concern for
victims that has us do the very best job we can.

Since victims of or witnesses to a crime often have
little understanding about the Criminal Justice
System, they often feel victimized a second time by
the system itself. Our Victim/Witness Advocates can
help alleviate some of these feelings by explaining
the system, how it works, and what is expected to
happen.

If you are a victim or know someone who is, call our
Victim/Witness Advocates. We're here to help you.

In an effort to assist victims of and witnesses to
crime, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office has
established a Victim/Witness Assistance Program.
This program offers valuable information and
assistance to victims/witnesses concerning their
rights under South Carolina Law.

"Victim"
as defined by S.C. State Code of Law, Title 16, is a
person who suffers direct or threatened physical,
emotional, or financial harm as the result of the
commission or attempted commission of a crime.
"Victim" also includes the immediate family of any
victim who is minor of who is incompetent, or the
immediate family of a homicide victim.

"Witness"
is defined as any person who has been, or is
expected to be summoned to testify for either the
prosecution or the defense, or who by reason of
having relevant information, is subject to call or
likely to be called as a witness for the prosecution
or defense, whether or not any action or proceeding
has yet been commenced.